MEDIA RELEASE

SINGAPORE – 28 October 2025 – The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Singapore, the nation’s first and longest-serving women’s charity, officially opened its heritage gallery, “Empowered by Love” in commemoration of its 150th Anniversary. This permanent gallery honours the organisation’s 150-year legacy of empowering women and strengthening communities in Singapore, while casting a bold vision for the future.

The gallery was officially opened by Guest-of-Honour – Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Former President of the Republic of Singapore who participated in an engaging and personal fireside chat with the YWCA. The event was also graced by Special Guest – Audra Morrice, Chef, Author, TV Personality, and Advocate for Cultural Preservation.

Discover a Journey of Love and Service

Housed in the YWCA Fort Canning Hotel which is conveniently located close to Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, visitors to YWCA’s “Empowered by Love” gallery are invited on a journey that connects the past, present, and future of YWCA’s mission. Guests will discover YWCA’s 150-year legacy of empowering women, relive the past through a re-creation of the 1923 Blue Triangle Lunch Room and displays of treasured artefacts. They will also be able to glimpse into the future through an inspiring look at the YWCA’s thoughtful plans for the future of women support and empowerment in Singapore. Designed with a selection of curated vintage furniture and elements inspired by YWCA’s historical spaces, the gallery also invites visitors to enjoy it as a chill-out space for relaxation, conversations and reflections.

Heritage of Answering Women’s Needs

Since 1875, YWCA of Singapore has championed women’s needs, advancing and enriching their lives and those of their families. Some of the firsts in Singapore include setting up a women’s lending library, night schools for educational needs, childcare centres that enable women to participate in the workforce, and hostels that provide safe lodging for women travellers transitioning in Singapore.

With each successive generation, YWCA has continually stood with the women of Singapore and evolved to serve the needs of their time — from past days where women sought literacy programmes and safe shelter, to today where women may be navigating more challenges such as single parenthood, or managing extraordinary caregiving responsibilities.

YWCA continues to drive women’s empowerment today through new initiatives under its newly-launched Hopemaker Movement, which affirms every woman as a “Creator of Hope” — whether she is a homemaker or working professional — recognising her pivotal role in nurturing families and shaping futures.

A key pillar of this movement is the Hopemaker: Women’s Business Accelerator (HWBA) programme which offers a comprehensive support ecosystem to equip women from challenging backgrounds (such as lower-income groups or caregivers) to build resilient, purpose-driven ventures. Participants undergo an 8-week course, followed by individualised mentorship from industry experts, opportunities to pitch to seed funders, and access to YWCA’s vibrant network of support.

The organisation’s vision for the future also includes the Hope Hub, a dynamic women’s space that will unite women-focused organisations, social enterprises, and partners to collaborate, innovate, and open new pathways of opportunity for women.

Sparking Conversations on Ensuring No Woman is Left Unsupported

In a time where the challenges of women are more complex than ever, conversations must be held to move the needle in women’s empowerment. A fireside chat with Guest-of-Honour, Mdm Halimah Yacob, connected YWCA’s 150 years of progressive service to the shifting needs of women and families in our society and what needs to be done to ensure no women is left isolated and unsupported.

Mdm Halimah Yacob spoke candidly about the experiences that have shaped her own journey as a wife, mother, career woman, and national leader. She also shared her hopes and concerns for women, and her vision for Singapore as we continue to evolve.

The conversation underscored the importance of continuous mindset shifts, shared responsibility in caregiving, and collective action so that no woman in Singapore feels isolated or unsupported.

YWCA Moving the Needle

The YWCA also announced plans to explore new initiatives that provide respite and support for women from all walks of life. The organisation aims to offer a sanctuary where women can take a much-needed break from family or work stresses – an accessible alternative to getaways which not all can afford.

Beyond respite care, YWCA also seeks to champion innovative approaches to work–life harmony. It plans to introduce a “half-time” work option within its own organisation, giving employees the flexibility to work half a week — a practical middle ground between part-time and full-time roles, which may not always suit women’s evolving needs today. This initiative aims to support women, particularly those caring for both children and ageing parents, in achieving greater balance across work, family, and personal well-being.

This progressive approach reflects YWCA’s commitment to empowering women through practical, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions, with the hope of inspiring other organisations to embrace similar flexible work arrangements.

Culinary Heritage Unveiled: Launch of Heritage Menu

Adding a unique and flavourful dimension to the launch, a special lunch was held, featuring an exclusive food tasting of long-lost recipes from YWCA’s heritage cookery books. These include recipes from one of Singapore’s first cookbooks, the YWCA Cookery Book of Malaya, dating back to 1932. Guests had a taste of authentic dishes from decades ago that are currently unavailable anywhere else in Singapore.

The YWCA will be officially launching this unique heritage menu on the same day at its very own social enterprise, Café Lodge at YWCA Fort Canning, allowing the public to savour a piece of Singapore’s culinary history.

A Call to Partnership

As Singapore moves forward, the YWCA’s mission remains deeply relevant to women and families. The YWCA believes that when women thrive, families are strengthened and so does the broader community.

Ms Sim Hwee Hoon, President of YWCA of Singapore said, “Our new heritage gallery, “Empowered by Love” tells the story of our journey – capturing our legacy while looking ahead to the future. As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve Singapore through acts of love and service, and to stay future-oriented so that we can continue empowering women through every season of their lives. This gallery celebrates the courage of the women who built our legacy and seeks to inspire the next generation to carry it forward, ensuring that the YWCA remains a dynamic and relevant force for social good in Singapore.”

The YWCA of Singapore invites partners, members, and the wider community to visit the Heritage Gallery, rediscover YWCA’s role in Singapore’s story of women’s empowerment, and join hands in building upon a heritage of service, for a future of hope and resilience.

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About YWCA of Singapore

Since 1875, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Singapore has empowered women and families of all races and religions through practical support that addresses both financial pressures and socioemotional wellbeing, along with a strong community to grow and thrive in.

Guided by its core principles of Serving with Love, Embracing Change, Strengthening Communities, and Empowering Lives, YWCA focuses on enabling women from different backgrounds to better manage caregiving responsibilities, strengthen family stability, and access new opportunities for growth.

YWCA operates a hospitality-based social enterprise through YWCA Fort Canning. All net profits from the hotel are channelled towards YWCA’s community services and programmes, furthering YWCA’s social mission, alongside the support of donors and partners.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.ywca.org.sg.

Media Contact:

Gerlynn Cai
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
gerlynncai@ywca.org.sg
Mobile: 9792 9310
DID: 6223 1227 (ext 237)

Tan Su-Anne
Marketing Executive
tansuanne@ywca.org.sg
Mobile: 9760 2790
DID: 6223 8045

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